Paradise Hills

This is a kind of thing a teenager might enjoy watching because it definitely feels like the story was written by one. Or may be like some obscure comic book adaptation that looks ok on paper but is just too shallow for screen.

In a future world, Uma (Emma Roberts) has been sent to Paradise Hills, a finishing school for the girls of society's elite families. Uma is refusing to give up her inferior boyfriend for an arranged marriage. It's an island retreat run by The Duchess (Milla Jovovich). The other girls include overweight Chloe (Danielle Macdonald), allergic Yu (Awkwafina), and singing star Amarna (Eiza González). Being imprisoned on an island gilded cage is not the end of the horror.

The general premise is fine but the intensity is never raised to a higher level. It reaches the first level of story telling and doesn't go further. There are two conflicting reveals at the end. One is a sci-fi ending and the other is a supernatural fantasy ending. They don't mix well together. This reminds me of an earlier 70's big idea sci-fi movie but it fails to grasp a big emotional payoff.

I like the work of most of the actresses in this movie, but this movie is not very good. There could have been a kooky sci-fi flick in here, but the writing and pacing is just godawful. Pass on this one, I wish I had.

I love the concept and beautiful art direction, but the editing and scriptwriting are not very good esp. at the beginning of the film... Few bad castings, course takes (despite some high caliber talent), and bad chemistry between characters really pushed it towards the territory of unwatchable... The amazing set design and Bjork and Iris Van Herpen-inspired wardrobe kept the film interesting though. I personally put this film in the same category as Oblivion-a beautiful design. As a design 7/10, as a film 5/10. I really wanted this film to be amazing, but it was not...

Watched this on Netflix not having read review or plot. In a nutshell a young adult dystopian Sci-fi movie reminiscent of Stepford Wives without the intelligence, acting, script or direction.